Though unemployment is low and tax revenue is on the rise, big bills coming due for the state’s highways and health care programs are giving Texas lawmakers some heartburn.
Edgar Walters
Edgar Walters worked at the Tribune from 2013 to 2020, most recently covering health and human services. Before that, he had a political reporting fellowship with the Berliner Zeitung, a daily newspaper in Berlin. He is a graduate of the Plan II Honors Program at the University of Texas at Austin, where he worked as an editor for The Daily Texan. When not in the newsroom or at the Capitol, he could be found on the volleyball court, standing 6 feet, 7 inches tall.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
How much has been raised for Harvey relief — and how’s it being spent?
It’s been five months since Hurricane Harvey unleashed historic flooding in southeastern parts of the state, but billions of dollars in recovery money have yet to be spent.
Posted in
State Government
Land Commissioner George P. Bush walks back call for special session on Harvey relief
“I clearly misspoke,” Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said after calling on Gov. Greg Abbott to order a special legislative session to allocate funds for Hurricane Harvey relief.
Posted in
Politics
For a second year, Women’s March draws thousands across Texas
In cities across Texas, thousands marched on Saturday in support of women’s rights and to protest President Donald Trump one year after his inauguration.
Posted in
Congress
Here’s how the government shutdown is playing out in Texas
Most national parks in Texas remain open over the weekend despite the federal government shutdown, but visitors can still expect to see consequences of Congress’ failure to pass a spending bill Friday night.
Posted inState Government
Texas state Rep. Dawnna Dukes’ campaign is more than $700,000 in debt after her legal saga
Between the two accounts state Rep. Dawnna Dukes, D-Austin, has on file with the Texas Ethics Commission, the embattled incumbent owes more than $737,000.
Posted in
In Harvey's Wake
After First Amendment challenge, FEMA may pay Texas churches to rebuild after Harvey
Facing a lawsuit from three Texas churches, federal officials have unveiled a new policy to allow religious institutions to receive government funds for damages suffered during natural disasters.
Posted inState Government
Sold Out: How the crusade against sex trafficking in Texas has left child victims behind
In January, The Texas Tribune launched a series investigating how Texas leaders have publicly battled sex trafficking for more than a decade but devoted hardly any resources to helping victims. Read our coverage here.
Posted in
Health care
Texas health regulators overrun by “several hundred” rats at Austin headquarters
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission has a $60,000 vermin problem, and is hiring private exterminators to deal with an estimated “several hundred” sewer rats in the building.
Posted in
Politics
At the Texas Capitol, victims of sexual harassment must fend for themselves
Interviews with more than two dozen current and former lawmakers and legislative aides indicate sexual harassment regularly goes unchecked at the Texas Capitol. And sexual harassment policies rely on officials with little incentive or authority to enforce them, particularly in cases of harassment by lawmakers.
